French President Emmanuel Macron faced an unusual situation in New York when his motorcade was stopped by police securing the route for the United States (US) President Donald Trump.
The incident happened shortly after Macron delivered a speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, where he announced France’s recognition of Palestine. On his way to the French Embassy, police held back his convoy to allow Trump’s motorcade to pass, leaving the French leader waiting in the middle of New York’s busy streets.
Video shared by French outlets showed a police officer apologizing to Macron, saying: “I’m sorry, Mr. President, everything is closed right now.” Macron stepped out of his car smiling, while bystanders gathered to take photos and selfies. The president gladly interacted with the crowd.
Macron reportedly called Trump directly and joked, “I’m stuck in the street because everything is closed for you.”
The mix-up underlined the challenges of managing security for dozens of global leaders during UN week, where overlapping motorcades and strict traffic controls often bring the city to a standstill.
Earlier the same day, Macron had called for renewed efforts toward peace in the Middle East, declaring that “the time for peace has come.” He said France’s recognition of Palestine reflected the need for Israelis and Palestinians to live “side by side in peace and security.”